Name: David Kuderer
Background: I have lived all my life in Monroe County. I lived in Wilton and worked on my grandparent’s farms. I moved to Sparta in 1973 and married Charlotte Von Ruden.
We have been married for 48 years and have two Sons (Charles & Larry), 7 Grandchildren and 8 Great-Grandchildren. My Sons attended Sparta Area Schools and work in Sparta.
I retired from the Sparta Police Department with 40 years of service. I started as a part-time Police Officer and worked my way up the ranks and retire in 2020 as the Chief of Police.
I am very involved in the community doing volunteer work with the following groups: St. Patricks’ Church, Knights of Columbus, Holiday Lights, Sparta Area Cancer Society, Salvation Army, Eagles Club, Coulee Cap Food Pantry, 2nd Harvest Food Pantry, Safety Patrol Chaperon for D.C trips, Butterfest (2017 Festmaster), Scout Leader for 40 years (Scoutmaster T-7), and I am a healthcare provider for my parents.
Why ae you running for county board supervisor? County District 6 (Sparta Wards 9,10,11 & 12) lost their county supervisor when the district boundaries were readjusted. I felt that I was qualified to represent the residents in District 6 and provide them with a person who would listen to their concerns, express their concerns to the board and help the board effectively use their taxpayer dollars wisely.
Why do you believe you are qualified? While being the Chief of Police for 5 years and Police Lieutenant for 8 years, I worked very closely with all the city and county departments, city council, county board and all the police departments in Monroe County. I was also a school resource officer for 8 years and worked very closely with the school district officials.
What are the most pressing issues (no more than three), you think the county needs to address and why? Public Safety is a big issue to me, broadband internet is important to our community, and the Monroe County Nursing Home is very important to me.
How would you address the issues you described?
Public safety: People want to move to a place where they feel their family is safe. The same goes for businesses. If people feel unsafe, they will move, and businesses will close. The county board needs to find ways to support the public’s safety. This is one of the reasons I volunteer to much because I want to help improve our community for the future of our children.
Broadband Internet: There are so many areas in Monroe County that don’t have internet service. Currently, internet is a necessity for every household because are children are expected to use the internet for school studies. We can’t expect our children to grow intellectually and succeed in the future, if we don’t provide them with the tools they need. I will do my best to help find funding for broadband coverage in the Monroe County.
Monroe County Nursing home: I know people who have given a lot to Monroe County over the years and then need help when they get old, like a place to live. Monroe County needs the nursing home and needs to have a plan to keep it operating for years. We need to be helping our elder citizens and not forgetting them. I will work to keep the nursing operating in Sparta.
Name: Amy Olson
Background: I am a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant, I previously worked with multiple populations from infants to geriatric, and in the public school system and the DOC. I currently work outside of my profession making breakfast at a general store in my district, caring for my 4 children and serving the community by volunteering with Safe Families of Wisconsin, Celebrate Recovery, and in my local church.
Why are you running for county board supervisor? In the past I was opposed to being involved in politics. I thought the political types were on the ridiculous side of things, overly concerned with controlling the lives of others. I now see that the way to prevent politics from running amuck is for individuals who are opposed to such things to do the uncomfortable thing and get involved.
Why do you believe you are qualified? I am “qualified” because I have met the qualifications set forth by the county. Regarding applicable previous experiences I was a Student Senator, Student Senate Executive Board member, and Campus Ambassador at the UW campus I attended. Also, I served as President of the Physical Therapist Assistant Club at WTC. Throughout my life I have been actively involved in community service, organizational governance, and a participant in organizations to improve my community.
What are the most pressing issues (no more than three), you think the county needs to address and why? Since the county board is non-partisan, it should not be a place to advance one's personal or political party’s objectives, but rather to ensure that the county is being wise with the resources and opportunities presented. Issues that the county has that would be appropriately addressed by the board would primarily include issues related to emergency services and hard infrastructure. Things such as wasteful spending, crimes, and lack of opportunity plague most counties including ours and must be addressed on a case-by-case basis.
How would you address the issues you described? As stated, most things must be addressed individually, but I will apply principles of limiting government interference and thoughtful spending with each case and looking at what creates the best opportunities for the county as a whole.
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